closer to home now, in new york city, thousands came out to honor vets for the veterans day parade but sandy survivors were not forgotten. donations were collected for them during this time. the storm is now to blame for 43 deaths in new york city. more than 38,000 residents there are still in the dark. cnn national correspondent susan candiotti introduces us to an elderly woman struggling to survive. >> reporter: all bundled up, she manages a smile before the 70-year-old -- yes, 70, makes a twice daily climb up six flights, dragging four gallons of water and a grocery cart and a bucket to her apartment. is it okay if i help you? >> yeah. >> reporter: you're using this for what? >> flushing the toilet. >> reporter: i can't imagine how you carry that and this. this is the third floor, right? do you need to rest? >> yes. >> reporter: catch your breath. >> you're going all the way up to the 16th floor? >> every day. >> reporter: i'm going to try to hold this lady's bag up to there, too. watch the bucket. i don't know how you ladies do it. okay. this is floor five. up we go. up we go. okay. we m